The aim of this exercise was to devise a workflow for a particular shooting assignment.

For this exercise I went along to a golf course in Sussex where a golfer needed images to show his coach. We were not limited to a set time and during the day I would be able

to show the golfer the images.

He said that he would know himself if the golf swing that he had completed was good or if it had displayed a problem that the coach would like to see.

This fact made the day slightly easier. I decided that I would also take a small video of the golfer which would aid the coach later. I was luck in the fact that my camera does both.

As for the previous exercise I followed that the same routine in checking kit and computers. In addition there was the need to have wet weather clothing as we were going to be outside.

Here is the work flow diagram that I produced prior to going to the assignment.

Workflow Chart

You can see that the golfer wanted particular results to show his coach.

Problems that we could encounter on the course were as follows.

Weather, especially rain.

Low flying golf balls!

Other golfers.

Damage to equipment.

The golfer producing the perfect shots so the problems that he had been having not coming to light.

We we able to review the numerous shots at lunch.

Here is the first contact sheet that we produced.

First Contact Part 1

First Contact Sheet Part 2

The shots were take from as many view points as I could. We chose the images together as he had a far greater experience of golf that I did.

Later we picked the following shots which were identified as highlighting a particular stance.

Second Contact Sheet

These images would show the golfers leg stance, the follow through of the club and body movement.

Both closeup and distance shots were used. Shots were identified that showed the golfer from the front and the back.

At the end of the day we also chose three shots that the golfer could use for personal reasons.

Golfers Selection

Following on from the first exercise the workflow chart was easier to design. Printing it off and having it to hand would help on a busy shoot.

For me the secret is having a plan that is flexible enough to allow for the work to continue if problems arise.

I did underestimate the problems of sand and this resulted in hours of cleaning afterwards. The direction of the wind played a big part in this, a plastic camera cover would have helped.

I also identified that smaller memory cards are better.Faster downloading meant that as the golfer was resting I could have downloaded a section of images and had them ready in a file without delaying the next session.

I also realised that having an assistant would help in certain circumstances, for downloading the images but this may be wishful thinking on my part.

This was a relatively short but enjoyable set of exercise that I have learnt a lot from.

This was, and still is, an interesting topic as it comes in two parts.

I had to design and put into practice a work flow model around a portrait session.

The benefit of a work flow model is that in a time critical situation, if you stick to the plan , you get the best from your studio/model and you do

not over run. Of course things will crop up, broken kit for example, but I think that if you know what you are doing before you start work then

things should run a lot better.

The assignment had to contain

1. Time limited shoot

2. On the spot checking of images to get improvement

3. 20+ images

4. Further editing to reduce the number of images for the customer

5. A selection of final images for the customer.

Why would your time be limited?

1. Cost of hiring studio/model or equipment

2. Weather if outside

3. Pressure from the customer to get the result they want.

It is at time critical moments that planning will help. It also help you to act and appear more professional.

AsBenjamin Franklin said

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Once you have a work flow plan you can see where the problems are or may crop up. Later you can change how you work.

If you find that one particular part of a project is always over-running then you could take steps to improve that section. It will be a lot easier to identify where the errors are taking place if the day is broken down into sections. The only other option is to get right to the end of the day, over-run, then try and go back through the whole day to see what went wrong.

My Work flow Plan

Work Flow For Portrait Session

Selected Contact Sheets- Number 1

Contact Sheet

Contact Sheet 2- Following 1st Selection

Contact Sheet 2

Contact Sheet 3- Final Selection

Contact Sheet- Final selection

Well the above 5 images are my final selection. Chosen from the 20+ images that I took. I think you can see a more relaxed model.

Assessment of My Work Flow Chart.

Well looking at my work flow chart and the results that I obtained did the chart help. Well this is what I think:-

1. The process as set out helps you to remember what you need to do.

2. It gives you a set of guidelines to follow

3. Following the plan gives you a lot more confidence and this will shine through to the model and your customers.

4. You could create a number of flow charts for different situations, these could be used not only by yourself but when training new members of staff. Different companies may have different processes. Laminating them would allow you to take them into the field.

It will be an interesting exercise to see if the same flow chart can be used for a different type of session.

For the second part of the exercise I intend taking some images of a golfer playing golf. The images will help the player with his swing.

There will be no limit on the time that I need to take the pictures , but they have to be clear.